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The Vibrant City of Bangkok
Bangkok
Visiting Bangkok can seem daunting at first being such a big city. However, tourist areas of the city have efficient transportation options, such as boats and sky trains, which make it possible to see multiple iconic spots in just a day. For instance, you can visit the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho along the riverside in one trip. But if you prefer to avoid the hassle of navigating on your own and save time, simply click here to see the tours available in Bangkok.
Fun fact: Bangkok's official name is a mouthful "Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit." However, locals call it Krung Thep, while Westerners prefer the more manageable name, Bangkok.
Getting About
Taxis
Taxis are inexpensive, definitely compared to the Western world. The best way to use them is to look for the meter taxis, but good luck trying to get the taxis to use the meter if you're foreign.
I highly recommend getting your hotel to order your taxis. They would know how much the cost of a taxi should be. Also, take a business card or two from your hotel to show a taxi driver later, to get back to the hotel with ease.
or download the apps 'Bolt' or 'Grab' they work like Uber. Bolt doesn't require a local credit or debit card to use, you can pay the driver the agreed amount once you've arrived at your destination.
Tuk Tuk
Tuk-tuks are primarily for tourists, but they are still enjoyable, so go for it. Remember that they are more expensive than taxis and not as safe but they are part of the Bangkok experience, a unique way to explore the city. While they may not be the most comfortable or the fastest mode of transport, they do make for an exciting journey. It's always a good idea to agree on a fare before hopping in, as prices can vary and haggling is part of the experience with tuk tuks. Hold on tight and enjoy the ride!
Sky Train/BTS/Metro
I recommend getting a hotel near a BTS station so you can get the train to many popular attractions. You go to the help desk at the station and say what stop you want; you will be given a coin or a card to get through the barriers. It is a very cheap way to travel and is air-conditioned; you also avoid the traffic in Bangkok this way. This is the most modern and most comfortable way to get around.
Chao Phraya River
The river is your connection to many tourist hotspots. Boats are available at the piers throughout the city. The shopping mall Iconsiam is a good place to start. It is next to Charoen Nakhon BTS station. The mall is very impressive. It has an indoor floating market as well as a pier from which you can take a boat to impressive attractions.
The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho are all reachable by boat. You can get a day pass to get on and off at most piers.
How do you pronounce the river?
Whenever you see something spelt Ch in Thailand, it is pronounced with a J (strangely). Also, the H is often silent; so, Ph is a P sound. Chao Phraya River sounds more like Jow Pra-ya River.
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
These sights are right next to each other, and they really are a must-see in Bangkok.
The Grand Palace has been the royal residence since 1782; you cannot enter, of course, but it is great to look at.
Wat Phra Kaew is a huge temple, "Wat" translates to "temple," so if you see the word "Wat," you know it is a temple. Wat Phra Kaew is home to the Emerald Buddha, which isn't actually made of Emerald but is still impressive and very sacred. This area really is a must-see in Bangkok.
The Grand Palace is not too far from Khao San Road if you wish to go for drinks after. See information further down.
Wat Arun
This temple dates to 1809.
Wat Arun translates to "The Temple of the Dawn" and is easily accessible via boat.
Wat Arun is one of the most iconic landmarks in Bangkok, Thailand. It's a Buddhist temple that stands on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The temple is known for its stunning architecture, especially the central prang (spire) which is decorated with colourful porcelain and ceramic tiles. Wat Arun is a great place to visit at any time of the day, but it's especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset when the light reflects off the glittering surface of the temple.
There is a really great restaurant where I took this picture called The Eagle Nest. It is obviously expensive, but you pay for the views.
Wat Pho
The Reclining Buddha is also known as the Sleeping Buddha.
Wat Pho is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok, Thailand. It is famous for its huge reclining Buddha statue, which is 46 meters long and 15 meters high.
Wat Pho (officially Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihana) was founded as a late Ayuthaya-period monastery in the 16th century. It was reconstructed in 1788 by King Rama I, who had already completed the Grand Palace next door and established Bangkok as Thailand's capital.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Looking for a one-stop destination for shopping, food, and fashion? Look no further than the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok. With almost 10,000 vendors, you'll find everything you need and more. If you're in search of gifts for your loved ones then come here. And once you're done shopping, head over to Chatuchak Park to unwind and relax.
Open only on weekends, the market offers a range of items from clothing and accessories to antiques and art. You'll find bargains, treasures, and surprises waiting for you at every turn, along with delicious street food.
The market is open every Saturday and Sunday from 6 am to 6 pm, and you can reach there by taking the BTS or MRT to Chatuchak Park.
Khao San Road
As you can see, it's a busy place! You can go drink and party! Every bar will play different, really loud music, trying to outdo each other, which combines into just noise as you cannot tell the songs apart. You can buy balloons here too; you know the dangerous ones.
You can also buy crocodile meat and scorpions to eat, giving the illusion that this is how Thais live, but in reality, it's all for the tourists.
It is a spot that most tourists make sure they go visit when in Bangkok, as although I probably haven't sold it well, it is great fun.
You can get here by boat to Tha Athit Pier or by taxi. It is not far from the Grand Palace and Wat Pha Kaew.
Expect very heavy traffic! Many young people stay around here, but I would advise against it; it is a very expensive area and not very Thai. There is also no BTS station nearby.
Mahanakhon Bangkok SkyBar
It's the highest rooftop bar in Thailand, and it offers delicious food and drinks, live music, and a glass floor that lets you see the city below.
It was not a cheap experience, which is to be expected.
Dress smart-casual
At 314 meters, it has Thailand's highest observation deck.
Lunch: 11.30–15.00 hrs.
(Last order: 14.30 hrs.)
Non-alcoholic drinks: 15.00–17.00 hrs.
(Food and alcoholic drinks are not available at this time.)
Dinner: 17.00–1.00 hrs.
(Last food order: 22:15 hrs.)
(Last bar bites and drinks: 23.30 hrs.)
See the options on their website.
Iconsiam
Iconsiam is not just a shopping destination; it's a cultural journey that blends luxury with tradition. Next to the river, the shops here are mostly top branded shops but what sets Iconsiam apart isn't the typical shopping mall but its unique Thai heritage architecture through the floating market concept at its lower levels you can immerse yourself in a recreated slice of historic Siam, complete with art installations and wooden structures.
It's a place where the charm of old-world Thailand meets the modern retail world.
There is a bar and restaurant at the top with great views, but it's only open after 5 pm.
There is an ICONIC Multimedia Water Features Show. This dazzling display is a symphony of light, sound, and water that dances along the 400-meter stretch of the Chao Phraya River, making it the longest water fountain show in Southeast Asia. With water jets that can soar up to 35 meters high, the water show reflects the vibrant spirit of Bangkok.
Monday through Thursday, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sunday, and public holidays at 6.30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
As explained before in the getting around section, there is a pier here, and you can get a boat along the Chao Phraya River. The boat stops at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho too.
If you are planning a river tour, this is the most likely location to pick up your boat!
You can get a day pass to get on and off at most piers.
Yaowarat Road
If you are looking for a place to buy gold and want to explore one of Bangkok's oldest neighbourhoods, Chinatown (Yaowarat Road) is worth a visit. Some buildings here date back to the 1890s.
This is the main street of Chinatown and is known for its amazing food. You can find a variety of delicious dishes, from dim sum and noodles to seafood and desserts. The street comes alive at night with neon lights and street vendors, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Keep in mind that this is a very busy area. If you plan to visit, Wat Mangkon Metro Station is nearby.
Lumphini Park
Located near Si Lom MRT Station, is a massive park in Bangkok that offers vast open spaces and an artificial lake where you can rent a boat. The park is also suitable for joggers, but be careful because of the high temperatures and pollution levels. Stay hydrated and keep an eye on the PM2.5 levels. If the air quality is poor, jogging could do more harm than good.
You are likely to see monitor lizards in the park.
Lumphini Park is an excellent place to unwind in Bangkok. You can rent a bike, paddle a boat, or just relax on the grass. There are also some impressive statues and monuments to admire, such as the King Rama VI statue and the Chinese clock tower. The park is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The infamous red-light district, Soi Cowboy
Expect to see just about everything here and never look at ping pong in the same way again. Pay for a girl or just go for a night out if you like or avoid it altogether; it's up to you; I'm not your mother. Be cautious though, these women are likely to add drinks to your bill and claim you didn't give them enough money when you did.
If you are like me and miss a good British pub, this area of Sukhumvit has many pubs, my personal favourite being the relatively new Red Lion, which cannot be beaten on prices and yummy food, in Soi 13, where you will also find many other great pubs and you don't get hassled by girls to buy them drinks.
BTS Asok and Sukhumvit
Bangkok is a vibrant city full of amazing sights, sounds, and tastes. You Know Thailand can help you find hotels in locations perfect for you, flights, and many activities and sites in Bangkok. Whether you want to visit the Grand Palace, shop at the Chatuchak Market, or party at Khao San Road, we have insider tips and personalised recommendations to make your time here hassle-free.
TRANSPORT
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is about 40 km from the city centre.
Airport Taxi: You can find the taxi area that uses the meter to the left as you exit the luggage area (opposite to where the sign says). Alternatively, you can follow the signs to get a taxi at a fixed rate from one of the booths. It's best to avoid going outside and finding someone, as anything can happen there.
If you want to look for the meter taxis, make sure the meter is on, have Thai baht for payment, and provide your hotel's address in Thai.
Train: Take the train from the airport's basement floor to Phaya Thai station. It runs from 6:00 a.m. to midnight. However, it involves some stairs, escalators, and transfers if your hotel isn't nearby.
Buses: Consider the Express bus for comfort and convenience. It has routes to tourist areas and metro stations. Alternatively, the S1 bus is cheaper but less comfortable.
Don Muang is older than Suvarnabhumi Airport, but it still does the job well enough
Travelling from Don Muang airport to the city is easy and cost-effective with options such as the shuttle bus that goes to the BTS metro.
Private transfer options like GRAB, private taxis, and car rentals are also available.
Taxis services are easy to get from Don Muang
Taxi Transfer: The most comfortable option is booking an individual taxi transfer online. It's convenient and allows you to choose the vehicle type and pay in advance, avoiding currency exchange issues.
Hire a car from Bangkok
When you plan to rent a car in Bangkok, it is essential to possess an international driving permit and valid insurance coverage. There are many international as well as local rental companies available in Bangkok, and the rental price may vary based on the duration and type of vehicle you choose. International Insurance policies are available in the economy links below.
Bangkok is well-known for its traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. If you are not familiar with the local driving practices, driving in the city can be demanding and stressful. To avoid any hassles, it is advisable to plan your route ahead and allocate enough time to reach your destination.
ACCOMMODATION
Bangkok is a vibrant city with diverse areas that cater to different preferences of tourists.
Sukhumvit is a popular area offering a variety of hotels, restaurants, pubs, and shops. It is also well-connected to other parts of the city through the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway systems.
Silom, known as Bangkok's financial district, is a mix of business and pleasure with many hotels, restaurants, and bars. However, it is essential to note that the area becomes X-rated at night.
Siam is home to some of Bangkok's biggest and most popular shopping malls, high-end hotels, and restaurants.
Old City, also known as Rattanakosin, is the historical centre of Bangkok. It is home to many of the city's most famous landmarks, including the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
Khao San Road is a favourite among backpackers and offers affordable hostels, bars, and street food stalls.
Lastly, Riverside provides a more peaceful and scenic experience with stunning views of the Chao Phraya River, luxury hotels, river cruises, and cultural attractions like the famous Wat Phra Kaew temple.
Hostelworld has been put below there for those looking for new friends in the Capital.
TOURS
Bangkok is a great starting point for exploring other parts of Thailand, and there are many tours available to book from the city
Explore the rich culture and history of the city, enjoy the delicious cuisine and nightlife, or relax and unwind in nature, there's a tour for you. Here are some of the best tours available to book in Bangkok:
Also, I have created my own, design your own trip from Bangkok to all around Thailand, you can book as you go along, and It'll save you a fortune.
- Grand Palace and Temple Tour: Visit the stunning Grand Palace and the sacred Temple of the Emerald Buddha, one of the most revered sites in Thailand. Learn about the history and significance of these landmarks from your knowledgeable guide and admire the intricate architecture and craftsmanship.
- Floating Market and River Kwai Tour: Experience the traditional way of life and commerce in Thailand at the famous floating market of Damnoen Saduak. See how locals sell and buy goods from their boats and sample some of the fresh fruits and snacks. Then, head to the historic River Kwai Bridge and learn about its role in World War II.
- Ayutthaya Day Trip: Travel back in time to the ancient capital of Siam, Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ruins of temples, palaces, and statues that showcase the glory and splendour of this former kingdom. Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Chao Phraya River and a delicious buffet lunch.
Do you want to travel at your own pace and style? Then our self-booking tours are for you! These tours let you customize your trip according to your interests and schedule.
You can decide when to start and what to see.
Booking your own transportation and hotel, with me directing you all the way.
The best part is, you'll have a personal and memorable travel experience that suits you!
NEARBY
Places to visit near Bangkok
